MARINE
CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING
Explore captivating marine havens. Venture into the tranquil embrace of tropical waters. Drift along majestic coral reefs. Uncover the secrets of our planet’s most precious underwater landscapes. These habitats, crucial for Earth’s vitality, beckon. Answer as a Caribbean Reef Buddy volunteer, joining the mission to restore coastal ecosystems and protect endangered marine species. Your path to conservation and discovery begins here
- VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- PROGRAM ACTIVITIES & TIMETABLE
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION & NOTES
- PROGRAM COSTS & PAYMENTS
- ADDITIONAL TRAINING AVAILABLE
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our volunteer programs are designed to get you actively involved in our ongoing marine conservation projects. Whether you are looking to work in marine ecology and conservation as part of your course work, or you simply want to spend your summer learning close to the ocean, we offer you a warm welcome.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES & TIMETABLE
Dive into Adventure
Explore our projects and take a moment to immerse yourself in their details. Select the program weeks that resonate with your passion and curiosity. If you're seeking an extended journey and yearn to engage in diverse activities, including the possibility of pursuing your Divemaster qualification, don't hesitate to reach out. Send us a message or request a call, and we'll guide you through the array of options available. We're here to discuss your aspirations and provide guidance on the path that aligns perfectly with your ambitions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION & NOTES
Any questions? We're here to help! We can advise on travel arrangements, and give you information about the island and our projects. Let us know if you'd like to video chat and get a look at the place and facilities. We can also arrange for you to chat to one of our alumni volunteers, who will be happy to talk to you about their time here, giving you a better idea about what to expect and the things you look forward to.
What's Included
Accommodation: Participants are provided shared accommodation at a local guest house in Hillsborough. The accommodation is comfortable, and close to all the local amenities. Fast WiFi is available. At additional costs, laundry services are available onsite, as is A/C and single room occupancy. You’ll be provided with breakfast and a hearty evening meal each day (please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian/vegan etc.)
Training: Your diving training course materials will be provided to you in advance of your arrival on Carriacou via the SSI training app. Whilst you are here all of the training for the projects will be provided to you by our team, you’ll also have access to all the materials you’ll possibly need too. Full basic SCUBA diving equipment will be provided too, but for comfort you might want to bring your own mask, fins and booties.
Trips & Excursions: At least once a week, we like to arrange a non-project related trip or excursion as a way of breaking up the program and getting you to see more of the island. These are all included too. Drinking water is provided on all trips, and a shared cool box is available if you want to bring your own drinks & snacks.
What's Not Included
Airfares
Self-Catering Accommodation
Visas
Transfers to Carriacou
Medical insurance
Travel insurance
Dive insurance
Lunch meal
Dive Medical*
Excursions that are not part of our monitoring activities or training programs
(some volunteers wish to island-hop to explore more of the island chain).
We typically will head out to a local restaurant on a Saturday evening, which is at our own cost. This is a great way to experience some more of the island.
*You will be required to complete an RSTC Medical Statement (download here) prior to commencing any scuba diving course. If a Yes appears to any question on your statement, please consult your doctor and get them to complete the reverse of the form before the start of your program with us.
PROGRAM COSTS & PAYMENTS
Our Program starts again on Monday 6th May 2024 and moves forward on a rolling four-week basis. Each four week period starts with a “Training Week”, which is aimed at those volunteer that need to learn to scuba dive. Volunteers with an 'Advanced Open Water' certification or higher can join on this date and either participate in our first "Project Week" or have a scuba diving refresher. We then have three more “Project Weeks”, working on our marine conservation projects, before we reset and start again.
Program Start Dates for 2024 are therefore:
May 6th
June 3rd
July 1st
July 29th
August 26th
Volunteers can join for as long as they are able to, and participant in as many project weeks as you're able to.
For more useful information refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
New divers are required to complete a “Training Week” , which includes Open Water Diver and Advanced Adventure Diver training, and means you’ll be perfectly equipped to work with us on the coral reefs
The cost of Training Week is US$1,395, which includes all EVERYTHING you need to learn. The digital manuals, the scuba equipment, and an enormous amount of fun on the boat
Certified scuba divers who are qualified to Advanced Open Water Diver level or above, and have logged 15 or more dives, can join our Project Week at any point.
Please note that you must be here for your orientation on Monday morning to take part in the week's activities. The cost for each Program Week is US$875, which includes all required training, training materials, dive equipment rental and project support for the week.
All above costs include: All dive training, or fun diving in lieu of courses, equipment rental, course fees and manuals are also included as well as project t-shirts. Airfares, transfers to Carriacou, medical/travel insurance and personal expenses are not included. It is compulsory for all volunteers take out travel/medical (including dive) insurance prior to joining the project.
A deposit will be required at the point of booking, with the full balance of your program costs being paid at least 28 days prior to your arrival.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is provided at a local guest house/hotel called Rosa's and is provided on a shared basis (two to a room) with breakfast and evening meals provided. Each room is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and a full kitchen too, just in case you want to prepare food yourself. Laundry service, Air-conditioning, and single person occupancy are available at additional costs. Let us know if this is something you would prefer.
Sometimes, you’ll get a room to yourself, or you may get moved during stay as we balance rooms to ensure they’re single gender.
Extra nights accommodation on Carriacou is available at US$50 per night- this does not include extra diving activities and must be booked in advance.
You will be able to extend your stay on the program (subject to availability) when you're here. Just ask any of the team for information if you're not ready to head home yet.
Limited off-site Self-Catering options are also available for those wishing to stay longer. Please inquire early for availability and cost information
ADDITIONAL TRAINING AVAILABLE
The below courses are optional, additional training you can elect to take. Please let us know, as part of your application, if there are any additional training courses that interest you.
Volunteer Program Overview
Our volunteer programs are designed to get you actively involved in our ongoing marine conservation projects. Whether you are looking to work in marine ecology and conservation as part of your course work, or you simply want to spend your summer learning close to the ocean, we offer you a warm welcome.
Program Activities & Timetable
Dive into Adventure
Explore our projects and take a moment to immerse yourself in their details. Select the program weeks that resonate with your passion and curiosity. If you're seeking an extended journey and yearn to engage in diverse activities, including the possibility of pursuing your Divemaster qualification, don't hesitate to reach out. Send us a message or request a call, and we'll guide you through the array of options available. We're here to discuss your aspirations and provide guidance on the path that aligns perfectly with your ambitions.
Important Information & Notes
Any questions? We're here to help! We can advise on travel arrangements, and give you information about the island and our projects. Let us know if you'd like to video chat and get a look at the place and facilities. We can also arrange for you to chat to one of our alumni volunteers, who will be happy to talk to you about their time here, giving you a better idea about what to expect and the things you look forward to.
What's Included
Accommodation: Participants are provided shared accommodation at a local guest house in Hillsborough. The accommodation is comfortable, and close to all the local amenities. Fast WiFi is available. At additional costs, laundry services are available onsite, as is A/C and single room occupancy. You’ll be provided with breakfast and a hearty evening meal each day (please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian/vegan etc.)
Training: Your diving training course materials will be provided to you in advance of your arrival on Carriacou via the SSI training app. Whilst you are here all of the training for the projects will be provided to you by our team, you’ll also have access to all the materials you’ll possibly need too. Full basic SCUBA diving equipment will be provided too, but for comfort you might want to bring your own mask, fins and booties.
Trips & Excursions: At least once a week, we like to arrange a non-project related trip or excursion as a way of breaking up the program and getting you to see more of the island. These are all included too. Drinking water is provided on all trips, and a shared cool box is available if you want to bring your own drinks & snacks.
What's Not Included
Airfares
Self-Catering Accommodation
Visas
Transfers to Carriacou
Medical insurance
Travel insurance
Dive insurance
Lunch meal
Dive Medical*
Excursions that are not part of our monitoring activities or training programs
(some volunteers wish to island-hop to explore more of the island chain).
We typically will head out to a local restaurant on a Saturday evening, which is at our own cost. This is a great way to experience some more of the island.
*You will be required to complete an RSTC Medical Statement (download here) prior to commencing any scuba diving course. If a Yes appears to any question on your statement, please consult your doctor and get them to complete the reverse of the form before the start of your program with us.
Program Costs & Payments
Our Program starts again on Monday 6th May 2024 and moves forward on a rolling four-week basis. Each four week period starts with a “Training Week”, which is aimed at those volunteer that need to learn to scuba dive. Volunteers with an 'Advanced Open Water' certification or higher can join on this date and either participate in our first "Project Week" or have a scuba diving refresher. We then have three more “Project Weeks”, working on our marine conservation projects, before we reset and start again.
Program Start Dates for 2024 are therefore:
May 6th
June 3rd
July 1st
July 29th
August 26th
Volunteers can join for as long as they are able to, and participant in as many project weeks as you're able to.
For more useful information refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
New divers are required to complete a “Training Week” , which includes Open Water Diver and Advanced Adventure Diver training, and means you’ll be perfectly equipped to work with us on the coral reefs
The cost of Training Week is US$1,395, which includes all EVERYTHING you need to learn. The digital manuals, the scuba equipment, and an enormous amount of fun on the boat
Certified scuba divers who are qualified to Advanced Open Water Diver level or above, and have logged 15 or more dives, can join our Project Week at any point.
Please note that you must be here for your orientation on Monday morning to take part in the week's activities. The cost for each Program Week is US$875, which includes all required training, training materials, dive equipment rental and project support for the week.
All above costs include: All dive training, or fun diving in lieu of courses, equipment rental, course fees and manuals are also included as well as project t-shirts. Airfares, transfers to Carriacou, medical/travel insurance and personal expenses are not included. It is compulsory for all volunteers take out travel/medical (including dive) insurance prior to joining the project.
A deposit will be required at the point of booking, with the full balance of your program costs being paid at least 28 days prior to your arrival.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is provided at a local guest house/hotel called Rosa's and is provided on a shared basis (two to a room) with breakfast and evening meals provided. Each room is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and a full kitchen too, just in case you want to prepare food yourself. Laundry service, Air-conditioning, and single person occupancy are available at additional costs. Let us know if this is something you would prefer.
Sometimes, you’ll get a room to yourself, or you may get moved during stay as we balance rooms to ensure they’re single gender.
Extra nights accommodation on Carriacou is available at US$50 per night- this does not include extra diving activities and must be booked in advance.
You will be able to extend your stay on the program (subject to availability) when you're here. Just ask any of the team for information if you're not ready to head home yet.
Limited off-site Self-Catering options are also available for those wishing to stay longer. Please inquire early for availability and cost information
Additional Training Available
The below courses are optional, additional training you can elect to take. Please let us know, as part of your application, if there are any additional training courses that interest you.
I Want to Dive in
Marine Conservation in the heart of the Caribbean.
CONTACT
- Main Street Hillsborough, Carriacou, Grenada W.I.
- +1 473 443 7882
- info@caribbeanreefbuddy.org
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